The group of local experts is to collaborate and develop a final report to be submitted by the end of this year, in time for its recommendations to be considered before the next budget is decided.
The 21-member task force aims to:
• Examine the causes of the problem of recurring floods and erosion in Assam and other neighbouring states as well as Bihar, West Bengal and eastern Uttar Pradesh,
• Review the measures undertaken so far to combat floods and erosion,
• Suggest short and long-term measures for flood management and erosion control,
• Examine related international dimensions and suggest future courses of action,
• Suggest institutional arrangements for tackling the problem,
• Suggest the source of funding for the future action plan,
• Examine any other related matter/issues.
Officials from the Ministry of Water Resources are to keep track of the group’s progress on a monthly basis.
The team is to be led by the chairman of the Central Water Commission and will include officials from the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation, the Planning Commission, the Department of Expenditure of Ministry of Finance, the Brahmaputra Board, the Ganga Flood Control Commission, the Central Water Commission and the Ministry of Water Resources.
Over the coming months, the task force will be able to recruit other experts where necessary, according to the Indian government.
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